On Wednesday, November 13th 2013, JETAA Hawaii conducted its networking event at Tsunami Hawaii Bar & Lounge. This fun event, though very relaxed, was not meant to be just a social gathering amongst JETAA members. The goal for this event was to assist those alumni who recently returned from Japan, and any other members looking to build their network, by introducing them to fellow alumni who are working in various career fields & participating in various Japan related organizations here on Oahu.

This event had a variety of participants attending. The Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu showed its support by having five representatives attending, amongst them Deputy Consul General Kazunari Tanaka and Consul Megumi Otsuka. JETAA Hawaii would like to greatly thank the consulate for their participation. A few of the other organizations & companies that had representation at this event includes the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Japan America Society of Hawaii, University of Hawaii HELP Program, Hawaiian Airlines, the Disney Aulani Resort, the Hawaii Air Force National Guard, Hawaiian Electric, and the YMCA in Nuuanu.

The program for this event was not so long-winded. Each person in attendance was given some time to speak in front of everyone introducing themselves, talking about their JET experience, and mentioning the company and/or organization they represented. The rest of the time was spent eating some delicious food and casually conversing with one another. The mixed group in attendance made for a very fun time. There were many new faces, some who have recently returned from Japan and some who have recently moved to Hawaii from other states. Having these new friends attend and adding them to our membership has only diversified and strengthened JETAA Hawaii. With continued support and participation in events like the Networker, JETAA Hawaii will remain strong and can continue to promote the JET Program here in Hawaii. Thank you again for all of those who helped promote, organize, attended this event.